Lip gloss

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are compositions and methods for their use that include pomegranate extract having pomegranate sterols and shale extract having water-soluble minerals.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/323,349 filed Dec. 12, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/422,541, filed Dec. 13, 2010. Thecontents of the referenced applications are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to compositions that can be usedto improve the skin's visual appearance. In one particular aspect, thecompositions concern formulations that can be used to treat skin in andaround the lips (e.g., lipsticks, lip glosses, lip balms, etc.). Thecompositions of the present invention can have an enhanced shine orcolor when compared with such formulations currently on the market.

B. Description of Related Art

Previous attempts at lip-based products such as lip glosses have eitherlacked substantivity, tended to pool on the skin, or lacked the abilityto effectively treat or prevent lip-related conditions (e.g., dried orcracked lips, lip wrinkles, etc.). Attempts to solve the substantivityand pooling problems resulted in highly viscous formulations that weredifficult to spread on the lips, had unpleasant tactile properties(e.g., heavy, oily, tacky, etc.), and tended to clump or cake together.This resulted in lips that had an unpleasant aesthetic appearance and astreaky/non-uniform coloring.

Attempts to solve the lip treatment problems resulted in unstableformulations or formulations that simply failed to provide the user withan effective amount of the active. The instability oftentimes wasattributed to the active ingredients in that such ingredients adverselyaffected the viscosity of the formulation. A lip gloss that was too thintended to pool, which resulted in uneven lip protection, as the activesalso pooled together. A lip gloss that was too thick caked or clumpedtogether, which resulted in uneven application of the product on thelips. A lip gloss that had the right viscosity had limited amounts ofthe active, which resulted in a product that failed to effectively treatlip-related conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventor found a solution to the aforementioned problems. Thissolution results in a lip gloss formulation that is substantive, doesnot pool on the lips, is easy to spread, and has effective amounts ofactives to moisturize the lips, treat dry, chapped, or cracked lips, andreduce or prevent the appearance of lip wrinkles. The lip gloss also haspleasant tactile properties and provides aesthetically pleasing visualappearance on the lips.

The inventor also discovered that a unique combination of shale extractand pomegranate extract having pomegranate sterols provides asynergistic effect in treating lips. The synergism is derived from thepomegranate extract's ability to bind to and hold water on the surfaceof the skin and the shale extract's ability to use such water as a wayto enhance skin absorption of minerals within the shale extract. Boththe water on the lips, which provides moisturization and hydration, andthe skin's enhanced absorption of minerals within the shale extract,which provides antioxidant effects, actively treats dry, chapped,chaffed, and/or cracked, lips while also preventing the deleteriouseffects of oxidation. The end result includes moist and hydrated lipsand reduced appearance of lip wrinkles.

The synergistic combination of shale extract and pomegranate extracthaving pomegranate sterols can also be extended to skin other than thelips. For instance, compositions having a combination of theseingredients can be used on facial skin (e.g., chin, cheeks, nose,periorbital region, forehead), chest skin, arm skin, hand skin, backskin, leg skin, foot skin, etc. Such compositions can be used to preventor treat a wide range of skin conditions, many of which are disclosedthroughout this specification. In one aspect, the compositions can beused to prevent or treat the appearance of skin aging (e.g., reduce orprevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles). Further, suchcompositions can be used to moisturize skin or hydrate skin, disinfectskin or skin wounds or burned skin, or treat or prevent a wide varietyof skin conditions disclosed throughout this specification.

In one aspect, there is a liquid or semi-solid composition comprising agel base comprising a hydrogenated polymer and a copolymer, a wax,pomegranate extract that includes pomegranate sterols, shale extractthat includes water-soluble minerals, an oil soluble vitamin Cderivative, and optionally a pigment, wherein the composition isanhydrous. A semi-solid composition is a composition that has aviscosity and rigidity intermediate between that of a solid and aliquid. Non-limiting examples of semi-solid substances include stiffdough or firm gelatin. In certain aspects, the hydrogenated polymer canbe hydrogenated polyisobutene and the copolymer can be abutylene/ethtylene/styrene copolymer or an ethylene/propylene/styrenecopolymer or a combination thereof. The oil soluble vitamin C derivativecan be tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. In certain aspects, the compositioncan be paraben free, hydroxyl acid free, carmine free, ceramide orceramide precursor free, and/or dimethicone or cyclomethicone free. Inparticular instances, the wax can be ozokerite. In one embodiment, thecomposition includes at least 40% by weight of the gel base, 3 to 7% byweight of the wax, 0.01 to 2% by weight of the pomegranate extract, 0.01to 2% by weight of the shale extract, 0.01 to 2% by weight of the oilsoluble vitamin C derivative, and 3 to 7% by weight of a pigment ormixture of pigments. In one aspect, the inventor discovered that aweight ratio between the gel base to the wax of between 15:1 to 17:1and/or the weight ratio of the wax to the shale extract between 30:1 to40:1 or between 35:1 to 37.5:1 produces a viscosity that is acceptablefor a lip gloss yet still retains the effectiveness of the shaleextract. In certain aspects, the composition is a lip gloss. The lipgloss can be comprised in an elongated container that includes a wand oran applicator tip, wherein the tip is at least partially convex. In aparticular embodiment, the lip gloss is anhydrous and includes the Table1 ingredients and amounts of such ingredients. The Table 1 compositionis incorporated into this section by reference.

Also disclosed is a mixture comprising pomegranate extract that includespomegranate sterols and shale extract that includes water-solubleminerals. The mixture can be in powdered form or liquid form. The shaleextract can be an aqueous extract and/or the pomegranate extract can bean oil extract. The mixture can consist essentially of or consists ofpomegranate and shale extracts. The mixture can be included in acosmetic, food, or drug product.

Also disclosed is a method for treating dried, cracked, or chapped lipsor preventing or reducing the appearance of lip wrinkles comprisingtopically applying any one of the compositions disclosed in thisapplication or any one of the mixtures disclosed in this application todried, cracked, or chapped lips or to skin in need of prevention orreduction of lip wrinkles, wherein topical application of thecompositions or mixtures treats dried, cracked, or chapped lips orprevents or reduces the appearance of lip wrinkles. The composition canbe applied directly onto the lips or can be applied onto lips thatalready have lipstick or lip balm applied thereon.

In yet another embodiment there is disclosed a method of treating a fineline or wrinkle comprising topically applying to a fine line or wrinklea composition comprising pomegranate extract that includes pomegranatesterols and shale extract that includes water-soluble minerals, whereintopical application of said composition to a fine line or wrinkle treatssaid fine line or wrinkle.

Also disclosed is a method of treating erythemic skin comprisingtopically applying to skin in need thereof a composition comprisingpomegranate extract that includes pomegranate sterols and shale extractthat includes water-soluble minerals, wherein topical application ofsaid composition to erythemic skin treats said erythemic skin.

In a further embodiment there is disclosed a method of tightening ortoning skin comprising topically applying to skin in need thereof acomposition comprising pomegranate extract that includes pomegranatesterols and shale extract that includes water-soluble minerals, whereintopical application of said composition to skin tightens or tones saidskin.

Also disclosed is an ingestible composition comprising pomegranateextract that includes pomegranate sterols and shale extract thatincludes water-soluble minerals, and an ingestibly acceptable vehicle.

An injectible solution comprising pomegranate extract that includespomegranate sterols and shale extract that includes water-solubleminerals and an injectibly acceptable solution is also contemplated.

In one aspect there is disclosed a method of treating or preventing adisease comprising administering to a person in need thereof pomegranateextract that includes pomegranate sterols and shale extract thatincludes water-soluble minerals, wherein the disease is treated orprevented. The disease can be AIDS, an autoimmune disease (e.g.,rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes—insulin-dependent andnon-independent, systemic lupus erythematosus, or Graves disease), acancer (e.g., malignant, benign, metastatic, or precancer), acardiovascular disease (e.g., heart disease, or coronary artery disease,stroke—ischemic and hemorrhagic, or rheumatic heart disease), diseasesof the nervous system, an infection by a pathogenic microorganism (e.g.,Athlete's Foot, Chickenpox, Common cold, Diarrheal diseases, Flu,Genital herpes, Malaria, Meningitis, Pneumonia, Sinusitis, Skindiseases, Strep throat, Tuberculosis, Urinary tract infections, Vaginalinfections, or Viral hepatitis), inflammation (e.g., allergy, orasthma), a prion disease (e.g., CJD, kuru, GSS, or FFI), or obesity.

In one embodiment there is disclosed a composition comprisingpomegranate extract that includes pomegranate sterols and shale extractthat includes water-soluble minerals. The composition can be included ina topical skin formulation, an injectible composition, an ediblecomposition, or a neutraceutical. The composition can be in the form ofan edible pill or gel cap or liquid or powder, or spray or foam or isaerosolized.

In one aspect there is disclosed a method of treating or preventing hairloss comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a compositioncomprising pomegranate extract that includes pomegranate sterols andshale extract that includes water-soluble minerals. The composition canbe topically applied to the scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes. Thecomposition can be in the form of an edible pill or gel cap or liquid orpowder and ingested. The composition can be in the form of an injectiblesolution and is injected. The composition can be in the form of anaerosolized composition or a foam and sprayed onto the scalp, eyebrows,or eyelashes.

In one aspect there is disclosed a method of treating acne, burns, orscars comprising topically applying to acne, a skin burn, or a scar, acomposition comprising pomegranate extract that includes pomegranatesterols and shale extract that includes water-soluble minerals, whereinthe acne, burn, or scar is treated.

Also contemplated is a method of disinfecting skin or a wound comprisingtopically applying to skin in need of disinfection or to a wound acomposition comprising pomegranate extract that includes pomegranatesterols and shale extract that includes water-soluble minerals, whereinthe skin or wound is disinfected. The wound can be a cut, scrape,abrasion, incision or a burn. The burn can be skin that has been burnedby the sun or by another heat source.

It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed in this specificationcan be implemented with respect to any method or composition of theinvention, and vice versa. Furthermore, compositions of the inventioncan be used to achieve methods of the invention.

In one embodiment, compositions of the present invention can bepharmaceutically or cosmetically elegant or can have pleasant tactileproperties. “Pharmaceutically elegant,” “cosmetically elegant,” and/or“pleasant tactile properties” describes a composition that hasparticular tactile properties which feel pleasant on the skin (e.g.,compositions that are not too watery or greasy, compositions that have asilky texture, compositions that are non-tacky or sticky, etc.).Pharmaceutically or cosmetically elegant can also relate to thecreaminess or lubricity properties of the composition or to the moistureretaining properties of the composition.

“Topical application” means to apply or spread a composition onto thesurface of lips or keratinous tissue. “Topical skin composition”includes compositions suitable for topical application on lips orkeratinous tissue. Such compositions are typicallydermatologically-acceptable in that they do not have undue toxicity,incompatibility, instability, allergic response, and the like, whenapplied to lips or skin. Topical skin care compositions of the presentinvention can have a selected viscosity to avoid significant dripping orpooling after application to skin.

“Keratinous tissue” includes keratin-containing layers disposed as theoutermost protective covering of mammals and includes, but is notlimited to, lips, skin, hair and nails.

The term “about” or “approximately” are defined as being close to asunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limitingembodiment the terms are defined to be within 10%, preferably within 5%,more preferably within 1%, and most preferably within 0.5%.

The term “substantially” and its variations are defined as being largelybut not necessarily wholly what is specified as understood by one ofordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodimentsubstantially refers to ranges within 10%, within 5%, within 1%, orwithin 0.5%.

The terms “inhibiting” or “reducing” or any variation of these terms,when used in the claims and/or the specification includes any measurabledecrease or complete inhibition to achieve a desired result.

The term “effective,” as that term is used in the specification and/orclaims, means adequate to accomplish a desired, expected, or intendedresult.

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term“comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” butit is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,”and “one or more than one.”

As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (andany form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having”(and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and anyform of including, such as “includes” and “include”) or “containing”(and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) areinclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecitedelements or method steps.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description. It should beunderstood, however, that the detailed description and the examples,while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by wayof illustration only. Additionally, it is contemplated that changes andmodifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

One of the unique aspects of the present invention is a lip glossformulation that has a pleasant tactile property along with effectivemoisturizing and anti-oxidative capabilities. The effectiveness of thelip gloss is that it has the ability to retain moisture andincrease/enhance the ability of the lips to absorb anti-oxidativeminerals from an aqueous extract of shale. This achievement is donedespite the fact that the lip gloss is anhydrous. Not wishing to bebound by theory, it is thought that the pomegranate sterols and shaleextract work in a synergistic manner such that the pomegranate sterolshave the ability to bind and collect water (e.g., from the environmentsuch as air) on the lips which can be used to solubilize the watersoluble minerals in the shale extract. It is thought that this can leadto enhanced absorption of the waters-soluble minerals into the lip skin(or any skin for that matter).

These and other aspect of the present invention are described in furtherdetail below.

A. Shale Extract

Shale extract of the present invention is an aqueous extract of humicshale that comprises hydrophilic water-soluble minerals. Because it isan aqueous extract, the extract does not include hydrophobic mineralssuch as metallic minerals. The extract is produced by leaching the shalewith water. The liquid is collected and then subjected to spray drying,which results in a fine powder that includes the water-soluble minerals.The fine powder can then be added to any one of the formulations of thepresent invention. Sources of humic shale that can be used in theextraction process are widely available in the United States andthroughout the world.

In addition to the extraction process described above, shale extract ofthe present invention can be purchased from Essential Nutrients, Inc.(South Emery, Utah, USA—http://www.essentialnutrientsinc.com/home). Notethat the shale extract referenced in the Examples section of thisapplication was obtained from Essential Nutrients, Inc.

Data suggests that water-soluble minerals that are contained in theshale extract of the present invention have anti-oxidative properties aswell as antibacterial properties.

B. Pomegranate Extract Having Pomegranate Sterols

Punica granatum (pomegranate) extract having pomegranate sterols is canbe obtained from the fruit or seeds of the pomegranate plant. Such anextract can be produced by disrupting the fruit or seeds by mechanicalmeans which results in a puree. The puree can then be processed to besubstantially free of impurities or undesired solids. The puree can thenbe subjected to various hydrophobic-based solvents (e.g., oil solvents)to extract out the sterols within the pomegranate puree. The resultingextract can be stored as a liquid or can be dried to produce a powder.

In addition, pomegranate extract with pomegranate sterols iscommercially available from Active Concepts LLC (Piscataway, N.J.,USA—http://www.activeconceptsllc.com/) under the trade name ABSPOMEGRANATE STEROLS. Note that the pomegranate extract referenced in theExamples section of this application is ABS POMEGRANATE STEROLS.

Data suggests that pomegranate extracts that include pomegranate sterolshave the ability to form hydrogen bonds with water and thereof have theability to hold water.

C. Vitamin C

Vitamin C and corresponding derivatives thereof can also be used withthe compositions of the present invention. These ingredients can furtherboost the antioxidative properties of the compositions. Non-limitingexamples of vitamin C derivatives include ascorbyl palmitate, magnesiumascorbyl phosphate, and sodium ascorbyl phosphate. In certain instanceswhen the composition is anhydrous or when an oil soluble vitamin Cderivative is desired, then tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate can be used, whichis commercially available from Barnet Products, Corp. under the tradename BV-OSC (Englewood Cliffs, N.J.,USA—http://www.barnetproducts.com/). For instance, in anhydrouslipsticks and lip glosses, such as those disclosed in the presentapplication, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate can be used to boost theantioxidative properties of such products. Other oil soluble vitamin Cderivatives are also contemplated for use with the compositions of thepresent invention.

D. Pigments

Pigments can be used in the compositions of the present invention tocreate a wide variety of visual appearances of such compositions. Incertain instances, diamond pigments are used, which can create highlytransparent formulations having a better luster appearance. Suchpigments can also be used to create brighter colors, cleaner colors,depth, and/or sparkle to the formulations. In certain aspects, the lipproducts of the present invention include such pigments.

Some of the benefits of using diamond pigments include: (1) achievementof exceptionally high levels of chromaticity, color purity, brightness,transparency and reflectivity; (2) creation of brilliant, star-likeglitter effect based on their smooth surfaces and large particle size;(3) production of a true multicolor effect when two or more are blended;and/or (4) addition of great visual depth and dimensionality becausetheir novel substrate has a high level of transparency.

Diamond variable iridescent pigments use thin, precisely controlledcoatings of titanium dioxide and silicone oxide on silicate platelets toseparate white light into multiple component parts and produce up tothree dramatic and distinct interference colors, two by reflection andone by transmission which then appear as iridescent luminosity withexceptional eye catching appeal.

Non-limiting examples of pigments that can be used in the context of thepresent invention include the RONASTAR®, REFLECKS®, COVAPEARL®, andCLOISONNE® line of pigments, which are commercially available from EMDChemicals, Inc./Rona, N.J. USA (e.g., RONASTAR® NOBLE SPARKS), BASF, NewJersey USA (e.g., REFLECKS® DIMENSIONS SPARKLING RED, CLOISONNE® SATINBRONGE, CLOISONNE® ROUGHE FLAMBE), and Sensient Cosmetic Technologies,New Jersey USA (e.g., COVAPEARL BRIGHT 933 AS).

E. Compositions of the Present Invention

It is contemplated that the compositions of the present invention caninclude any of the actives or any combination thereof describedthroughout this specification (e.g., pomegranate extract havingpomegranate sterols, shale extract, and/or vitamin C derivatives). Thecompositions can also include any number of combinations of additionalingredients described throughout this specification (e.g., pigments, oradditional cosmetic or pharmaceutical ingredients). The concentrationsof the any ingredient within the compositions can vary. In non-limitingembodiments, for example, the compositions can comprise, consistingessentially of, or consist of, in their final form, for example, atleast about 0.0001%, 0.0002%, 0.0003%, 0.0004%, 0.0005%, 0.0006%,0.0007%, 0.0008%, 0.0009%, 0.0010%, 0.0011%, 0.0012%, 0.0013%, 0.0014%,0.0015%, 0.0016%, 0.0017%, 0.0018%, 0.0019%, 0.0020%, 0.0021%, 0.0022%,0.0023%, 0.0024%, 0.0025%, 0.0026%, 0.0027%, 0.0028%, 0.0029%, 0.0030%,0.0031%, 0.0032%, 0.0033%, 0.0034%, 0.0035%, 0.0036%, 0.0037%, 0.0038%,0.0039%, 0.0040%, 0.0041%, 0.0042%, 0.0043%, 0.0044%, 0.0045%, 0.0046%,0.0047%, 0.0048%, 0.0049%, 0.0050%, 0.0051%, 0.0052%, 0.0053%, 0.0054%,0.0055%, 0.0056%, 0.0057%, 0.0058%, 0.0059%, 0.0060%, 0.0061%, 0.0062%,0.0063%, 0.0064%, 0.0065%, 0.0066%, 0.0067%, 0.0068%, 0.0069%, 0.0070%,0.0071%, 0.0072%, 0.0073%, 0.0074%, 0.0075%, 0.0076%, 0.0077%, 0.0078%,0.0079%, 0.0080%, 0.0081%, 0.0082%, 0.0083%, 0.0084%, 0.0085%, 0.0086%,0.0087%, 0.0088%, 0.0089%, 0.0090%, 0.0091%, 0.0092%, 0.0093%, 0.0094%,0.0095%, 0.0096%, 0.0097%, 0.0098%, 0.0099%, 0.0100%, 0.0200%, 0.0250%,0.0275%, 0.0300%, 0.0325%, 0.0350%, 0.0375%, 0.0400%, 0.0425%, 0.0450%,0.0475%, 0.0500%, 0.0525%, 0.0550%, 0.0575%, 0.0600%, 0.0625%, 0.0650%,0.0675%, 0.0700%, 0.0725%, 0.0750%, 0.0775%, 0.0800%, 0.0825%, 0.0850%,0.0875%, 0.0900%, 0.0925%, 0.0950%, 0.0975%, 0.1000%, 0.1250%, 0.1500%,0.1750%, 0.2000%, 0.2250%, 0.2500%, 0.2750%, 0.3000%, 0.3250%, 0.3500%,0.3750%, 0.4000%, 0.4250%, 0.4500%, 0.4750%, 0.5000%, 0.5250%, 0.0550%,0.5750%, 0.6000%, 0.6250%, 0.6500%, 0.6750%, 0.7000%, 0.7250%, 0.7500%,0.7750%, 0.8000%, 0.8250%, 0.8500%, 0.8750%, 0.9000%, 0.9250%, 0.9500%,0.9750%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%,2.0%, 2.1%, 2.2%, 2.3%, 2.4%, 2.5%, 2.6%, 2.7%, 2.8%, 2.9%, 3.0%, 3.1%,3.2%, 3.3%, 3.4%, 3.5%, 3.6%, 3.7%, 3.8%, 3.9%, 4.0%, 4.1%, 4.2%, 4.3%,4.4%, 4.5%, 4.6%, 4.7%, 4.8%, 4.9%, 5.0%, 5.1%, 5.2%, 5.3%, 5.4%, 5.5%,5.6%, 5.7%, 5.8%, 5.9%, 6.0%, 6.1%, 6.2%, 6.3%, 6.4%, 6.5%, 6.6%, 6.7%,6.8%, 6.9%, 7.0%, 7.1%, 7.2%, 7.3%, 7.4%, 7.5%, 7.6%, 7.7%, 7.8%, 7.9%,8.0%, 8.1%, 8.2%, 8.3%, 8.4%, 8.5%, 8.6%, 8.7%, 8.8%, 8.9%, 9.0%, 9.1%,9.2%, 9.3%, 9.4%, 9.5%, 9.6%, 9.7%, 9.8%, 9.9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%,15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%,29%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or99% or any range derivable therein, of at least one of the ingredientsthat are mentioned throughout the specification and claims. Innon-limiting aspects, the percentage can be calculated by weight orvolume of the total composition. A person of ordinary skill in the artwould understand that the concentrations can vary depending on theaddition, substitution, and/or subtraction of ingredients in a givencomposition.

F. Vehicles

The compositions of the present invention can be incorporated into alltypes of vehicles. As noted, above, lip products such as lipsticks, lipbalms, and/or lip glosses are possible vehicles. Lip glosses, forinstance are typically applied to the lips in a liquid to soft solidform. The color of lip glosses can range from clear, translucent, tovarious shades of opacity, and can also have a frosted, glittered,glassy, or a metallic finish. Lip glosses are typically contained insmall cylindrical containers and are applied with a rounded or slopedapplicator wand (e.g., doefoot applicator) or a built-in lip brush orcan be contained and squeezed from tubes and applied or spread with afinger tip.

By comparison, a lipstick is in solid form and is opaque. This providesthe lips with a more intense color shade when compared with a lip gloss.Also, lipsticks are housed in a lipstick case or tube. The solid natureof the lipstick allows the user to “push-up” or “push-down” the lipstickfrom the case or tube to expose the desired amount of surface area ofthe lipstick that is to be applied to the lips.

Lip balms are in a semi-solid or solid form and are typically used torelieve chapped or dry lips via providing an occlusive layer on the lipsurface to seal moisture in lips and protect the lips from externalexposure. By comparison, lip glosses can take a liquid to semi-solidform and also provide the user with a cosmetic function by coloring orchanging the appearance of the lips.

In other non-limiting embodiments, the vehicles of the present inventioncan be emulsions (e.g., water-in-oil, water-in-oil-in-water,oil-in-water, silicone-in-water, water-in-silicone, oil-in-water-in-oil,oil-in-water-in-silicone emulsions), creams, lotions, solutions (bothaqueous and hydro-alcoholic), anhydrous bases (such as lipsticks andpowders), gels, and ointments or by other method or any combination ofthe forgoing as would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art(Remington's, 1990). Variations and other appropriate vehicles will beapparent to the skilled artisan and are appropriate for use in thepresent invention. In certain aspects, it is important that theconcentrations and combinations of the compounds, ingredients, andagents be selected in such a way that the combinations are chemicallycompatible and do not form complexes which precipitate from the finishedproduct.

G. Cosmetic Products and Articles of Manufacture

The composition of the present invention can also be used in manycosmetic products including, but not limited to, lip sticks, lip balms,lip glosses, sunscreen products, sunless skin tanning products, hairproducts, finger nail products, moisturizing creams, skin benefit creamsand lotions, softeners, day lotions, gels, ointments, foundations, nightcreams, cleansers, toners, masks, or other known cosmetic products orapplications. Additionally, the cosmetic products can be formulated asleave-on or rinse-off products. In certain aspects, the compositions ofthe present invention are stand-alone products.

H. Additional Ingredients

In addition to the shale extract, pomegranate extract having pomegranatesterols, vitamin C derivative, and/or pigments, compositions of thepresent invention can include additional ingredients such as cosmeticingredients and pharmaceutical active ingredients. Non-limiting examplesof these additional ingredients are described in the followingsubsections.

1. Cosmetic Ingredients

The CTFA International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook (2004and 2008) describes a wide variety of non-limiting cosmetic ingredientsthat can be used in the context of the present invention. Examples ofthese ingredient classes include: fragrances (artificial and natural),dyes and color ingredients (e.g., Blue 1, Blue 1 Lake, Red 40, titaniumdioxide, D&C blue no. 4, D&C green no. 5, D&C orange no. 4, D&C red no.17, D&C red no. 33, D&C violet no. 2, D&C yellow no. 10, and D&C yellowno. 11), adsorbents, lubricants, solvents, moisturizers (including,e.g., emollients, humectants, film formers, occlusive agents, and agentsthat affect the natural moisturization mechanisms of the skin),water-repellants, UV absorbers (physical and chemical absorbers such asparaaminobenzoic acid (“PABA”) and corresponding PABA derivatives,titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, etc.), essential oils, vitamins (e.g. A,B, C, D, E, and K), trace metals (e.g. zinc, calcium and selenium),anti-irritants (e.g. steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories),botanical extracts (e.g. aloe vera, chamomile, cucumber extract, ginkgobiloba, ginseng, and rosemary), anti-microbial agents, antioxidants(e.g., BHT and tocopherol), chelating agents (e.g., disodium EDTA andtetrasodium EDTA), preservatives (e.g., methylparaben andpropylparaben), pH adjusters (e.g., sodium hydroxide and citric acid),absorbents (e.g., aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, kaolin, corn starch,oat starch, cyclodextrin, talc, and zeolite), skin bleaching andlightening agents (e.g., hydroquinone and niacinamide lactate),humectants (e.g., sorbitol, urea, and manitol), exfoliants,waterproofing agents (e.g., magnesium/aluminum hydroxide stearate), skinconditioning agents (e.g., aloe extracts, allantoin, bisabolol,ceramides, dimethicone, hyaluronic acid, and dipotassium glycyrrhizate).Non-limiting examples of some of these ingredients are provided in thefollowing subsections.

a. UV Absorption Agents

UV absorption agents that can be used in combination with thecompositions of the present invention include chemical and physicalsunblocks. Non-limiting examples of chemical sunblocks that can be usedinclude para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), PABA esters (glyceryl PABA,amyldimethyl PABA and octyldimethyl PABA), butyl PABA, ethyl PABA, ethyldihydroxypropyl PABA, benzophenones (oxybenzone, sulisobenzone,benzophenone, and benzophenone-1 through 12), cinnamates (octylmethoxycinnamate, isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate, octylmethoxy cinnamate,cinoxate, diisopropyl methyl cinnamate, DEA-methoxycinnamate, ethyldiisopropylcinnamate, glyceryl octanoate dimethoxycinnamate and ethylmethoxycinnamate), cinnamate esters, salicylates (homomethyl salicylate,benzyl salicylate, glycol salicylate, isopropylbenzyl salicylate, etc.),anthranilates, ethyl urocanate, homosalate, octisalate, dibenzoylmethanederivatives (e.g., avobenzone), octocrylene, octyl triazone, digalloytrioleate, glyceryl aminobenzoate, lawsone with dihydroxyacetone,ethylhexyl triazone, dioctyl butamido triazone, benzylidene malonatepolysiloxane, terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid, disodium phenyldibenzimidazole tetrasulfonate, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexylbenzoate, bis diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl benzoate, bisbenzoxazoylphenyl ethylhexylimino triazine, drometrizole trisiloxane,methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutyiphenol, andbis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyltriazine,4-methylbenzylidenecamphor, and isopentyl 4-methoxycinnamate.Non-limiting examples of physical sunblocks include, kaolin, talc,petrolatum and metal oxides (e.g., titanium dioxide and zinc oxide).

b. Moisturizing Agents

Non-limiting examples of moisturizing agents that can be used with thecompositions of the present invention include amino acids, chondroitinsulfate, diglycerin, erythritol, fructose, glucose, glycerin, glycerolpolymers, glycol, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, honey, hyaluronic acid,hydrogenated honey, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, inositol, lactitol,maltitol, maltose, mannitol, natural moisturizing factor, PEG-15butanediol, polyglyceryl sorbitol, salts of pyrollidone carboxylic acid,potassium PCA, propylene glycol, sodium glucuronate, sodium PCA,sorbitol, sucrose, trehalose, urea, and xylitol.

Other examples include acetylated lanolin, acetylated lanolin alcohol,alanine, algae extract, aloe barbadensis, aloe-barbadensis extract, aloebarbadensis gel, althea officinalis extract, apricot (prunus armeniaca)kernel oil, arginine, arginine aspartate, arnica montana extract,aspartic acid, avocado (persea gratissima) oil, barrier sphingolipids,butyl alcohol, beeswax, behenyl alcohol, beta-sitosterol, birch (betulaalba) bark extract, borage (borago officinalis) extract, butcherbroom(ruscus aculeatus) extract, butylene glycol, calendula officinalisextract, calendula officinalis oil, candelilla (euphorbia cerifera) wax,canola oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, cardamon (elettariacardamomum) oil, carnauba (copernicia cerifera) wax, carrot (daucuscarota sativa) oil, castor (ricinus communis) oil, ceramides, ceresin,ceteareth-5, ceteareth-12, ceteareth-20, cetearyl octanoate, ceteth-20,ceteth-24, cetyl acetate, cetyl octanoate, cetyl palmitate, chamomile(anthemis nobilis) oil, cholesterol, cholesterol esters, cholesterylhydroxystearate, citric acid, clary (salvia sclarea) oil, cocoa(theobroma cacao) butter, coco-caprylate/caprate, coconut (cocosnucifera) oil, collagen, collagen amino acids, corn (zea mays) oil,fatty acids, decyl oleate, dimethicone copolyol, dimethiconol, dioctyladipate, dioctyl succinate, dipentaerythrityl hexacaprylate/hexacaprate,DNA, erythritol, ethoxydiglycol, ethyl linoleate, eucalyptus globulusoil, evening primrose (oenothera biennis) oil, fatty acids, geraniummaculatum oil, glucosamine, glucose glutamate, glutamic acid,glycereth-26, glycerin, glycerol, glyceryl distearate, glycerylhydroxystearate, glyceryl laurate, glyceryl linoleate, glycerylmyristate, glyceryl oleate, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl stearate SE,glycine, glycol stearate, glycol stearate SE, glycosaminoglycans, grape(vitis vinifera) seed oil, hazel (corylus americana) nut oil, hazel(corylus avellana) nut oil, hexylene glycol, hyaluronic acid, hybridsafflower (carthamus tinctorius) oil, hydrogenated castor oil,hydrogenated coco-glycerides, hydrogenated coconut oil, hydrogenatedlanolin, hydrogenated lecithin, hydrogenated palm glyceride,hydrogenated palm kernel oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, hydrogenatedtallow glyceride, hydrogenated vegetable oil, hydrolyzed collagen,hydrolyzed elastin, hydrolyzed glycosaminoglycans, hydrolyzed keratin,hydrolyzed soy protein, hydroxylated lanolin, hydroxyproline, isocetylstearate, isocetyl stearoyl stearate, isodecyl oleate, isopropylisostearate, isopropyl lanolate, isopropyl myristate, isopropylpalmitate, isopropyl stearate, isostearamide DEA, isostearic acid,isostearyl lactate, isostearyl neopentanoate, jasmine (jasminumofficinale) oil, jojoba (buxus chinensis) oil, kelp, kukui (aleuritesmoluccana) nut oil, lactamide MEA, laneth-16, laneth-10 acetate,lanolin, lanolin acid, lanolin alcohol, lanolin oil, lanolin wax,lavender (lavandula angustifolia) oil, lecithin, lemon (citrus medicalimonum) oil, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, macadamia ternifolia nutoil, maltitol, matricaria (chamomilla recutita) oil, methyl glucosesesquistearate, methylsilanol PCA, mineral oil, mink oil, mortierellaoil, myristyl lactate, myristyl myristate, myristyl propionate,neopentyl glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, octyldodecanol, octyldodecylmyristate, octyldodecyl stearoyl stearate, octyl hydroxystearate, octylpalmitate, octyl salicylate, octyl stearate, oleic acid, olive (oleaeuropaea) oil, orange (citrus aurantium dulcis) oil, palm (elaeisguineensis) oil, palmitic acid, pantethine, panthenol, panthenyl ethylether, paraffin, PCA, peach (prunus persica) kernel oil, peanut (arachishypogaea) oil, PEG-8 C12-18 ester, PEG-15 cocamine, PEG-150 distearate,PEG-60 glyceryl isostearate, PEG-5 glyceryl stearate, PEG-30 glycerylstearate, PEG-7 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-40 hydrogenated castor oil,PEG-60 hydrogenated castor oil, PEG-20 methyl glucose sesquistearate,PEG40 sorbitan peroleate, PEG-5 soy sterol, PEG-10 soy sterol, PEG-2stearate, PEG-8 stearate, PEG-20 stearate, PEG-32 stearate, PEG40stearate, PEG-50 stearate, PEG-100 stearate, PEG-150 stearate,pentadecalactone, peppermint (mentha piperita) oil, petrolatum,phospholipids, polyamino sugar condensate, polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate,polyquaternium-24, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 40, polysorbate 60,polysorbate 80, polysorbate 85, potassium myristate, potassiumpalmitate, propylene glycol, propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate,propylene glycol dioctanoate, propylene glycol dipelargonate, propyleneglycol laurate, propylene glycol stearate, propylene glycol stearate SE,PVP, pyridoxine dipalmitate, retinol, retinol palmitate, rice (oryzasativa) bran oil, RNA, rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis) oil, rose oil,safflower (carthamus tinctorius) oil, sage (salvia officinalis) oil,sandalwood (santalum album) oil, serine, serum protein, sesame (sesamumindicum) oil, shea butter (butyrospermum parkii), silk powder, sodiumchondroitin sulfate, sodium hyaluronate, sodium lactate, sodiumpalmitate, sodium PCA, sodium polyglutamate, soluble collagen, sorbitanlaurate, sorbitan oleate, sorbitan palmitate, sorbitan sesquioleate,sorbitan stearate, sorbitol, soybean (glycine soja) oil, sphingolipids,squalane, squalene, stearamide MEA-stearate, stearic acid, stearoxydimethicone, stearoxytrimethylsilane, stearyl alcohol, stearylglycyrrhetinate, stearyl heptanoate, stearyl stearate, sunflower(helianthus annuus) seed oil, sweet almond (prunus amygdalus dulcis)oil, synthetic beeswax, tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, tocopheryllinoleate, tribehenin, tridecyl neopentanoate, tridecyl stearate,triethanolamine, tristearin, urea, vegetable oil, water, waxes, wheat(triticum vulgare) germ oil, and ylang ylang (cananga odorata) oil.

c. Antioxidants

Non-limiting examples of antioxidants that can be used with thecompositions of the present invention include acetyl cysteine, ascorbicacid polypeptide, ascorbyl dipalmitate, ascorbyl methylsilanolpectinate, ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl stearate, BHA, BHT, t-butylhydroquinone, cysteine, cysteine HCI, diamylhydroquinone,di-t-butylhydroquinone, dicetyl thiodipropionate, dioleyl tocopherylmethylsilanol, disodium ascorbyl sulfate, distearyl thiodipropionate,ditridecyl thiodipropionate, dodecyl gallate, erythorbic acid, esters ofascorbic acid, ethyl ferulate, ferulic acid, gallic acid esters,hydroquinone, isooctyl thioglycolate, kojic acid, magnesium ascorbate,magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, methylsilanol ascorbate, natural botanicalanti-oxidants such as green tea or grape seed extracts,nordihydroguaiaretic acid, octyl gallate, phenylthioglycolic acid,potassium ascorbyl tocopheryl phosphate, potassium sulfite, propylgallate, quinones, rosmarinic acid, sodium ascorbate, sodium bisulfite,sodium erythorbate, sodium metabisulfite, sodium sulfite, superoxidedismutase, sodium thioglycolate, sorbityl furfural, thiodiglycol,thiodiglycolamide, thiodiglycolic acid, thioglycolic acid, thiolacticacid, thiosalicylic acid, tocophereth-5, tocophereth-10, tocophereth-12,tocophereth-18, tocophereth-50, tocopherol, tocophersolan, tocopherylacetate, tocopheryl linoleate, tocopheryl nicotinate, tocopherylsuccinate, and tris(nonylphenyl)phosphite.

d. Structuring Agents

In other non-limiting aspects, the compositions of the present inventioncan include a structuring agent. Structuring agent, in certain aspects,assist in providing rheological characteristics to the composition tocontribute to the composition's stability. In other aspects, structuringagents can also function as an emulsifier or surfactant. Non-limitingexamples of structuring agents include stearic acid, palmitic acid,stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, stearic acid, palmiticacid, the polyethylene glycol ether of stearyl alcohol having an averageof about 1 to about 21 ethylene oxide units, the polyethylene glycolether of cetyl alcohol having an average of about 1 to about 5 ethyleneoxide units, and mixtures thereof.

e. Emulsifiers

In certain aspects of the present invention, the compositions do notinclude an emulsifier. In other aspects, however, the compositions caninclude one or more emulsifiers. Emulsifiers can reduce the interfacialtension between phases and improve the formulation and stability of anemulsion. The emulsifiers can be nonionic, cationic, anionic, andzwitterionic emulsifiers (See McCutcheon's (1986); U.S. Pat. Nos.5,011,681; 4,421,769; 3,755,560). Non-limiting examples include estersof glycerin, esters of propylene glycol, fatty acid esters ofpolyethylene glycol, fatty acid esters of polypropylene glycol, estersof sorbitol, esters of sorbitan anhydrides, carboxylic acid copolymers,esters and ethers of glucose, ethoxylated ethers, ethoxylated alcohols,alkyl phosphates, polyoxyethylene fatty ether phosphates, fatty acidamides, acyl lactylates, soaps, TEA stearate, DEA oleth-3 phosphate,polyethylene glycol 20 sorbitan monolaurate (polysorbate 20),polyethylene glycol 5 soya sterol, steareth-2, steareth-20, steareth-21,ceteareth-20, PPG-2 methyl glucose ether distearate, ceteth-10,polysorbate 80, cetyl phosphate, potassium cetyl phosphate,diethanolamine cetyl phosphate, polysorbate 60, glyceryl stearate,PEG-100 stearate, and mixtures thereof.

f. Silicone Containing Compounds

In non-limiting aspects, silicone containing compounds include anymember of a family of polymeric products whose molecular backbone ismade up of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms with side groupsattached to the silicon atoms. By varying the —Si—O— chain lengths, sidegroups, and crosslinking, silicones can be synthesized into a widevariety of materials. They can vary in consistency from liquid to gel tosolids.

The silicone containing compounds that can be used in the context of thepresent invention include those described in this specification or thoseknown to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Non-limiting examplesinclude silicone oils (e.g., volatile and non-volatile oils), gels, andsolids. In certain aspects, the silicon containing compounds includes asilicone oils such as a polyorganosiloxane. Non-limiting examples ofpolyorganosiloxanes include dimethicone, cyclomethicone,polysilicone-11, phenyl trimethicone, trimethylsilylamodimethicone,stearoxytrimethylsilane, or mixtures of these and other organosiloxanematerials in any given ratio in order to achieve the desired consistencyand application characteristics depending upon the intended application(e.g., to a particular area such as the skin, hair, or eyes). A“volatile silicone oil” includes a silicone oil have a low heat ofvaporization, i.e. normally less than about 50 cal per gram of siliconeoil. Non-limiting examples of volatile silicone oils include:cyclomethicones such as Dow Corning 344 Fluid, Dow Corning 345 Fluid,Dow Corning 244 Fluid, and Dow Corning 245 Fluid, Volatile Silicon 7207(Union Carbide Corp., Danbury, Conn.); low viscosity dimethicones, i.e.dimethicones having a viscosity of about 50 cst or less (e.g.,dimethicones such as Dow Corning 200-0.5 cst Fluid). The Dow CorningFluids are available from Dow Corning Corporation, Midland, Mich.Cyclomethicone and dimethicone are described in the Third Edition of theCTFA Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary (incorporated by reference) ascyclic dimethyl polysiloxane compounds and a mixture of fully methylatedlinear siloxane polymers end-blocked with trimethylsiloxy units,respectively. Other non-limiting volatile silicone oils that can be usedin the context of the present invention include those available fromGeneral Electric Co., Silicone Products Div., Waterford, N.Y. and SWSSilicones Div. of Stauffer Chemical Co., Adrian, Mich.

g. Essential Oils

Essential oils include oils derived from herbs, flowers, trees, andother plants. Such oils are typically present as tiny droplets betweenthe plant's cells, and can be extracted by several method known to thoseof skill in the art (e.g., steam distilled, enfleurage (i.e., extractionby using fat), maceration, solvent extraction, or mechanical pressing).When these types of oils are exposed to air they tend to evaporate(i.e., a volatile oil). As a result, many essential oils are colorless,but with age they can oxidize and become darker. Essential oils areinsoluble in water and are soluble in alcohol, ether, fixed oils(vegetal), and other organic solvents. Typical physical characteristicsfound in essential oils include boiling points that vary from about 160°to 240° C. and densities ranging from about 0.759 to about 1.096.

Essential oils typically are named by the plant from which the oil isfound. For example, rose oil or peppermint oil are derived from rose orpeppermint plants, respectively. Non-limiting examples of essential oilsthat can be used in the context of the present invention include sesameoil, macadamia nut oil, tea tree oil, evening primrose oil, Spanish sageoil, Spanish rosemary oil, coriander oil, thyme oil, pimento berriesoil, rose oil, anise oil, balsam oil, bergamot oil, rosewood oil, cedaroil, chamomile oil, sage oil, clary sage oil, clove oil, cypress oil,eucalyptus oil, fennel oil, sea fennel oil, frankincense oil, geraniumoil, ginger oil, grapefruit oil, jasmine oil, juniper oil, lavender oil,lemon oil, lemongrass oil, lime oil, mandarin oil, marjoram oil, myrrhoil, neroli oil, orange oil, patchouli oil, pepper oil, black pepperoil, petitgrain oil, pine oil, rose otto oil, rosemary oil, sandalwoodoil, spearmint oil, spikenard oil, vetiver oil, wintergreen oil, orylang ylang. Other essential oils known to those of skill in the art arealso contemplated as being useful within the context of the presentinvention.

h. Thickening Agents

Thickening agents, including thickener or gelling agents, includesubstances which that can increase the viscosity of a composition.Thickeners includes those that can increase the viscosity of acomposition without substantially modifying the efficacy of the activeingredient within the composition. Thickeners can also increase thestability of the compositions of the present invention. In certainaspects of the present invention, thickeners include hydrogenatedpolyisobutene or trihydroxystearin, or a mixture of both.

Non-limiting examples of additional thickening agents that can be usedin the context of the present invention include carboxylic acidpolymers, crosslinked polyacrylate polymers, polyacrylamide polymers,polysaccharides, and gums. Examples of carboxylic acid polymers includecrosslinked compounds containing one or more monomers derived fromacrylic acid, substituted acrylic acids, and salts and esters of theseacrylic acids and the substituted acrylic acids, wherein thecrosslinking agent contains two or more carbon-carbon double bonds andis derived from a polyhydric alcohol (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,087,445;4,509,949; 2,798,053; CTFA International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary,Fourth edition, 1991, pp. 12 and 80). Examples of commercially availablecarboxylic acid polymers include carbomers, which are homopolymers ofacrylic acid crosslinked with allyl ethers of sucrose or pentaerytritol(e.g., Carbopol™ 900 series from B. F. Goodrich).

Non-limiting examples of crosslinked polyacrylate polymers includecationic and nonionic polymers. Examples are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,100,660; 4,849,484; 4,835,206; 4,628,078; 4,599,379).

Non-limiting examples of polyacrylamide polymers (including nonionicpolyacrylamide polymers including substituted branched or unbranchedpolymers) include polyacrylamide, isoparaffin and laureth-7, multi-blockcopolymers of acrylamides and substituted acrylamides with acrylic acidsand substituted acrylic acids.

Non-limiting examples of polysaccharides include cellulose,carboxymethyl hydroxyethylcellulose, cellulose acetate propionatecarboxylate, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxyethyl ethylcellulose,hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methylhydroxyethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium cellulosesulfate, and mixtures thereof. Another example is an alkyl substitutedcellulose where the hydroxy groups of the cellulose polymer ishydroxyalkylated (preferably hydroxy ethylated or hydroxypropylated) toform a hydroxyalkylated cellulose which is then further modified with aC₁₀-C₃₀ straight chain or branched chain alkyl group through an etherlinkage. Typically these polymers are ethers of C₁₀-C₃₀ straight orbranched chain alcohols with hydroxyalkylcelluloses. Other usefulpolysaccharides include scleroglucans comprising a linear chain of (1-3)linked glucose units with a (1-6) linked glucose every three unit.

Non-limiting examples of gums that can be used with the presentinvention include acacia, agar, algin, alginic acid, ammonium alginate,amylopectin, calcium alginate, calcium carrageenan, carnitine,carrageenan, dextrin, gelatin, gellan gum, guar gum, guarhydroxypropyltrimonium chloride, hectorite, hyaluroinic acid, hydratedsilica, hydroxypropyl chitosan, hydroxypropyl guar, karaya gum, kelp,locust bean gum, natto gum, potassium alginate, potassium carrageenan,propylene glycol alginate, sclerotium gum, sodium carboyxmethyl dextran,sodium carrageenan, tragacanth gum, xanthan gum, and mixtures thereof.

i. Preservatives

Non-limiting examples of preservatives that can be used in the contextof the present invention include quaternary ammonium preservatives suchas polyquaternium-1 and benzalkonium halides (e.g., benzalkoniumchloride (“BAC”) and benzalkonium bromide), parabens (e.g.,methylparabens and propylparabens), phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol,chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid, thimerosal or combinations thereof.

2. Pharmaceutical Ingredients

Pharmaceutical active agents are also contemplated as being useful withthe compositions of the present invention. Non-limiting examples ofpharmaceutical active agents include anti-acne agents, agents used totreat rosacea, analgesics, anesthetics, anorectals, antihistamines,anti-inflammatory agents including non-steroidal anti-inflammatorydrugs, antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antimicrobials, anti-canceractives, scabicides, pediculicides, antineoplastics, antiperspirants,antipruritics, antipsoriatic agents, antiseborrheic agents, biologicallyactive proteins and peptides, burn treatment agents, cauterizing agents,depigmenting agents, depilatories, diaper rash treatment agents,enzymes, hair growth stimulants, hair growth retardants including DFMOand its salts and analogs, hemostatics, kerotolytics, canker soretreatment agents, cold sore treatment agents, dental and periodontaltreatment agents, photosensitizing actives, skin protectant/barrieragents, steroids including hormones and corticosteroids, sunburntreatment agents, sunscreens, transdermal actives, nasal actives,vaginal actives, wart treatment agents, wound treatment agents, woundhealing agents, etc.

I. Kits

Kits are also contemplated as being used in certain aspects of thepresent invention. For instance, compositions of the present inventioncan be included in a kit. A kit can include a container. Containers caninclude a bottle, a metal tube, a laminate tube, a plastic tube, adispenser, a pressurized container, a barrier container, a package, acompartment, a lipstick container, a compact container, cosmetic pansthat can hold cosmetic compositions, or other types of containers suchas injection or blow-molded plastic containers into which thedispersions or compositions or desired bottles, dispensers, or packagesare retained. The kit and/or container can include indicia on itssurface. The indicia, for example, can be a word, a phrase, anabbreviation, a picture, or a symbol.

The containers can dispense a pre-determined amount of the composition.In other embodiments, the container can be squeezed (e.g., metal,laminate, or plastic tube) to dispense a desired amount of thecomposition. The composition can be dispensed as a spray, an aerosol, aliquid, a fluid, or a semi-solid. The containers can have spray, pump,or squeeze mechanisms. A kit can also include instructions for employingthe kit components as well the use of any other compositions included inthe container. Instructions can include an explanation of how to apply,use, and maintain the compositions.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are included to demonstrate certain non-limitingaspects of the invention. It should be appreciated by those of skill inthe art that the techniques disclosed in the examples which followrepresent techniques discovered by the inventor to function well in thepractice of the invention. However, those of skill in the art should, inlight of the present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can bemade in the specific embodiments which are disclosed and still obtain alike or similar result without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention.

Example 1

The Table 1 composition is a non-limiting guideline of a lip gloss ofthe present invention that has moisturization and anti-oxidativeproperties, both of which can be used to moisturize the lips and treatlip-related conditions such as lines and wrinkles (data not shown).

TABLE 1* Phase** Ingredient Amount (%) A PARLEAM GEL ®***   40-50Hydrogenated Polyisobutene   15-25 B C10-30 Cholesterol/LanosterolEsters    5-10 Pomegranate Extract with Pomegranate Sterols 0.01-2 OctylDodecanol 0.01-2 Triisostearyl Citrate    5-10 C Ozokerite   3-7 Ricinuscommunis Seed Oil/Aloe barbadensis 0.01-2 Leaf Extract D Shale Extract0.01-2 Pigments   3-7 E Ricinus communis Seed Oil 0.01-2 F TocopherylAcetate 0.01-2 Retinly Palmitate 0.01-2 Glycine Soja Oil 0.01-2Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate 0.01-2 Flavoring Agent 0.01-2 TOTAL 100 *Asindicated in the amount % column of Table 1, the amount of theingredients can vary. Also, the phase A ingredients make up the gel-baseof the lip gloss. **Composition can be prepared by mixing the phase Aingredients under heat (95-100° C.). Add phase B ingredients andcontinue mixing under heat until mixture is homogenous. Add phase Cingredients. Cool mixture to 75-80° C. Add phase D ingredients andcontinue mixing. Add phase E ingredient under continued mixing. Addphase F ingredients and cool to 63-67 C and stop mixing. Let mixturecool to room temperature (20-25° C.). ***PARLEAM GEL ® is a mixture ofhydrogenated polyisobutene and butylene/styrene copolymer andethylene/styrene copolymer, which is commercially available from RossowCosmetiques, Laurel New York USA.

The inventor also discovered that shale extract can negatively affectthe viscosity of the lip gloss to make the gloss potentiallyunusable/unstable. This problem was solved by identifying a particularweight ratio of the wax (ozokerite) to the shale extract, which produceda desired viscosity for the lip gloss while still retaining the lip/skineffectiveness of the shale extract. For instance, the data suggests thatif shale extract is used at 0.1% by weight in the composition, then theamount of wax (e.g., ozokerite) in the composition should be at leastgreater than 2.77% by weight. Stated another way, wax in amounts of lessthan 2.77% resulted in an unstable lip gloss. The optimum amount of waxto shale extract (when shale extract is used at 0.1%) was between 3 to4% wax, with the best stability results occurring with 3.5 to 3.75% wax.Therefore, the optimum ratio of wax to shale extract in a gel-based lipgloss of the present invention having at least 40% by weight of thegel-base is between 30:1 to 40:1, with the best results occurring with aratio of wax to shale extract between 35:1 to 37.5:1.

Example 2 Assays that can be Used to Test Compositions

Additional assays that can be used to determine the efficacy of any oneof the compositions disclosed throughout the specification and claimscan be determined by methods known to those of ordinary skill in theart. The following are non-limiting assays that can be used in thecontext of the present invention. It should be recognized that othertesting procedures can be used, including, for example, objective andsubjective procedures.

Erythema Assay:

An assay to measure the reduction of skin redness can be evaluated usinga Minolta Chromometer. Skin erythema may be induced by applying a 0.2%solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate on the forearm of a subject. The areais protected by an occlusive patch for 24 hrs. After 24 hrs, the patchis removed and the irritation-induced redness can be assessed using thea* values of the Minolta Chroma Meter. The a* value measures changes inskin color in the red region. Immediately after reading, the area istreated with a composition of the present invention. Repeat measurementsare taken at regular intervals to determine the formula's ability toreduce redness and irritation.

Skin Moisture/Hydration Assay:

Skin moisture/hydration benefits can be measured by using impedancemeasurements with the Nova Dermal Phase Meter. The impedance metermeasures changes in skin moisture content. The outer layer of the skinhas distinct electrical properties. When skin is dry it conductselectricity very poorly. As it becomes more hydrated increasingconductivity results. Consequently, changes in skin impedance (relatedto conductivity) can be used to assess changes in skin hydration. Theunit can be calibrated according to instrument instructions for eachtesting day. A notation of temperature and relative humidity can also bemade. Subjects can be evaluated as follows: prior to measurement theycan equilibrate in a room with defined humidity (e.g., 30-50%) andtemperature (e.g., 68-72° C.). Three separate impedance readings can betaken on each side of the face, recorded, and averaged. The T5 settingcan be used on the impedance meter which averages the impedance valuesof every five seconds application to the face. Changes can be reportedwith statistical variance and significance.

Skin Clarity and Reduction in Freckles and Age Spots Assay:

Skin clarity and the reduction in freckles and age spots can beevaluated using a Minolta Chromometer. Changes in skin color can beassessed to determine irritation potential due to product treatmentusing the a* values of the Minolta Chroma Meter. The a* value measureschanges in skin color in the red region. This is used to determinewhether a composition is inducing irritation. The measurements can bemade on each side of the face and averaged, as left and right facialvalues. Skin clarity can also be measured using the Minolta Meter. Themeasurement is a combination of the a*, b, and L values of the MinoltaMeter and is related to skin brightness, and correlates well with skinsmoothness and hydration. Skin reading is taken as above. In onenon-limiting aspect, skin clarity can be described as L/C where C ischroma and is defined as (a²+b²)^(1/2).

Skin Dryness, Surface Fine Lines, Skin Smoothness, and Skin Tone Assay:

Skin dryness, surface fine lines, skin smoothness, and skin tone can beevaluated with clinical grading techniques. For example, clinicalgrading of skin dryness can be determined by a five point standardKligman Scale: (0) skin is soft and moist; (1) skin appears normal withno visible dryness; (2) skin feels slightly dry to the touch with novisible flaking; (3) skin feels dry, tough, and has a whitish appearancewith some scaling; and (4) skin feels very dry, rough, and has a whitishappearance with scaling. Evaluations can be made independently by twoclinicians and averaged.

Clinical Grading of Skin Tone Assay:

Clinical grading of skin tone can be performed via a ten point analognumerical scale: (10) even skin of uniform, pinkish brown color. Nodark, erythremic, or scaly patches upon examination with a hand heldmagnifying lens. Microtexture of the skin very uniform upon touch; (7)even skin tone observed without magnification. No scaly areas, butslight discolorations either due to pigmentation or erythema. Nodiscolorations more than 1 cm in diameter; (4) both skin discolorationand uneven texture easily noticeable. Slight scaliness. Skin rough tothe touch in some areas; and (1) uneven skin coloration and texture.Numerous areas of scaliness and discoloration, either hypopigmented,erythremic or dark spots. Large areas of uneven color more than 1 cm indiameter. Evaluations were made independently by two clinicians andaveraged.

Clinical Grading of Skin Smoothness Assay:

Clinical grading of skin smoothness can be analyzed via a ten pointanalog numerical scale: (10) smooth, skin is moist and glistening, noresistance upon dragging finger across surface; (7) somewhat smooth,slight resistance; (4) rough, visibly altered, friction upon rubbing;and (1) rough, flaky, uneven surface. Evaluations were madeindependently by two clinicians and averaged.

Skin Smoothness and Wrinkle Reduction Assay with Methods Disclosed inPackman et al. (1978):

Skin smoothness and wrinkle reduction can also be assessed visually byusing the methods disclosed in Packman et al. (1978). For example, ateach subject visit, the depth, shallowness and the total number ofsuperficial facial lines (SFLs) of each subject can be carefully scoredand recorded. A numerical score was obtained by multiplying a numberfactor times a depth/width/length factor. Scores are obtained for theeye area and mouth area (left and right sides) and added together as thetotal wrinkle score.

Skin Firmness Assay with a Hargens Ballistometer:

Skin firmness can be measured using a Hargens ballistometer, a devicethat evaluates the elasticity and firmness of the skin by dropping asmall body onto the skin and recording its first two rebound peaks. Theballistometry is a small lightweight probe with a relatively blunt tip(4 square mm-contact area) was used. The probe penetrates slightly intothe skin and results in measurements that are dependent upon theproperties of the outer layers of the skin, including the stratumcorneum and outer epidermis and some of the dermal layers.

Skin Softness/Suppleness Assay with a Gas Bearing Electrodynamometer:

Skin softness/suppleness can be evaluated using the Gas BearingElectrodynamometer, an instrument that measures the stress/strainproperties of the skin. The viscoelastic properties of skin correlatewith skin moisturization. Measurements can be obtained on thepredetermined site on the cheek area by attaching the probe to the skinsurface with double-stick tape. A force of approximately 3.5 gm can beapplied parallel to the skin surface and the skin displacement isaccurately measured. Skin suppleness can then be calculated and isexpressed as DSR (Dynamic Spring Rate in gm/mm).

Appearance of Lines and Wrinkles Assay with Replicas:

The appearance of lines and wrinkles on the skin can be evaluated usingreplicas, which is the impression of the skin's surface. Silicone rubberlike material can be used. The replica can be analyzed by imageanalysis. Changes in the visibility of lines and wrinkles can beobjectively quantified via the taking of silicon replicas form thesubjects' face and analyzing the replicas image using a computer imageanalysis system. Replicas can be taken from the eye area and the neckarea, and photographed with a digital camera using a low angle incidencelighting. The digital images can be analyzed with an image processingprogram and the are of the replicas covered by wrinkles or fine lineswas determined.

Surface Contour of the Skin Assay with a Profilometer/Stylus Method:

The surface contour of the skin can be measured by using theprofilometer/Stylus method. This includes either shining a light ordragging a stylus across the replica surface. The vertical displacementof the stylus can be fed into a computer via a distance transducer, andafter scanning a fixed length of replica a cross-sectional analysis ofskin profile can be generated as a two-dimensional curve. This scan canbe repeated any number of times along a fix axis to generate a simulated3-D picture of the skin. Ten random sections of the replicas using thestylus technique can be obtained and combined to generate averagevalues. The values of interest include Ra which is the arithmetic meanof all roughness (height) values computed by integrating the profileheight relative to the mean profile height. Rt which is the maximumvertical distance between the highest peak and lowest trough, and Rzwhich is the mean peak amplitude minus the mean peak height. Values aregiven as a calibrated value in mm. Equipment should be standardizedprior to each use by scanning metal standards of know values. Ra Valuecan be computed by the following equation: R_(a)=Standardize roughness;l_(m)=the traverse (scan) length; and y=the absolute value of thelocation of the profile relative to the mean profile height (x-axis).

MELANODERM™ Assay:

In other non-limiting aspects, the efficacy of the compositions of thepresent invention can be evaluated by using a skin analog, such as, forexample, MELANODERM™. Melanocytes, one of the cells in the skin analog,stain positively when exposed to L-dihydroxyphenyl alanine (L-DOPA), aprecursor of melanin. The skin analog, MELANODERM™, can be treated witha variety of bases containing the compositions and whitening agents ofthe present invention or with the base alone as a control.Alternatively, an untreated sample of the skin analog can be used as acontrol.

ORAC Assay:

Oxygen Radical Absorption (or Absorbance) Capacity (ORAC) of thearomatic skin-active ingredients and compositions can also be assayed bymeasuring the antioxidant activity of such ingredients or compositions.This assay can quantify the degree and length of time it takes toinhibit the action of an oxidizing agent such as oxygen radicals thatare known to cause damage cells (e.g., skin cells). The ORAC value ofthe aromatic skin-active ingredients and compositions can be determinedby methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art (see U.S.Publication Nos. 2004/0109905 and 2005/0163880; Cao et al. (1993)), allof which are incorporated by reference). In summary, the assay describedin Cao et al. (1993) measures the ability of antioxidant compounds intest materials to inhibit the decline of B-phycoerythrm (B-PE)fluorescence that is induced by a peroxyl radical generator, AAPH.

Matrix Metalloproteinase Enzyme Activity (MMP3; MMP9) Assay:

An in vitro matrix metalloprotease (MMP) inhibition assay. MMPs areextracellular proteases that play a role in many normal and diseasestates by virtue of their broad substrate specificity. MMP3 substratesinclude collagens, fibronectins, and laminin; while MMP9 substratesinclude collagen VII, fibronectins and laminin. Using Colorimetric DrugDiscovery kits from BioMol International for MMP3 (AK-400) and MMP-9(AK-410), this assay is designed to measure protease activity of MMPsusing a thiopeptide as a chromogenic substrate(Ac-PLG-[2-mercapto-4-methyl-pentanoyl]-LG-OC2H5)5,6. The MMP cleavagesite peptide bond is replaced by a thioester bond in the thiopeptide.Hydrolysis of this bond by an MMP produces a sulfhydryl group, whichreacts with DTNB [5,5′-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid), Ellman's reagent]to form 2-nitro-5-thiobenzoic acid, which can be detected by itsabsorbance at 412 nm (ε=13,600 M-1 cm-1 at pH 6.0 and above 7).

All of the skin-active ingredients, compositions, or methods disclosedand claimed in this specification can be made and executed without undueexperimentation in light of the present disclosure. While theskin-active ingredients, compositions, or methods of this invention havebeen described in terms of particular embodiments, it will be apparentto those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to theskin-active ingredients, compositions, or methods and in the steps or inthe sequence of steps of the method described herein without departingfrom the concept, spirit and scope of the invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for treating dried, cracked, orchapped lips or preventing or reducing the appearance of lip wrinklescomprising topically applying a composition to dried, cracked, orchapped lips or to skin in need of prevention or reduction of lipwrinkles, wherein the composition comprises: (a) a gel base; (b)pomegranate extract that includes pomegranate sterols; (c) shale extractthat includes water-soluble minerals; and (d) optionally a pigment. 2.The method of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises: (a) at least40% by weight of the gel base; (b) 0.01 to 2% by weight of thepomegranate extract; (c) 0.01 to 2% by weight of the shale extract; and(d) 3 to 7% by weight of a pigment or mixture of pigments.
 3. The methodof claim 1, wherein the composition is a lip gloss.
 4. The method ofclaim 3, wherein the lip gloss is comprised in an elongated containerthat includes a wand or an applicator tip, wherein the tip is at leastpartially convex.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition isapplied to the surface of the lips or is applied to lips that alreadyhave lipstick or lip balm applied thereon.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein the composition is a semi-solid.
 7. The method of claim 1,wherein the composition is a liquid.
 8. The method of claim 1, whereinthe gel base comprises a hydrogenated polymer and a copolymer.
 9. Themethod of claim 8, wherein the hydrogenated polymer is hydrogenatedpolyisobutene and the copolymer is a butylene/ethtylene/styrenecopolymer or an ethylene/propylene/styrene copolymer or a combinationthereof.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is parabenfree, hydroxyl acid free, carmine free, ceramide or ceramide precursorfree, and dimethicone or cyclomethicone free.
 11. The method of claim 1,wherein the composition further comprises a wax.
 12. The method of claim11, wherein the weight ratio of the gel base to the wax is between 15:1to 17:1.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the weight ratio of the waxto the shale extract is between 30:1 to 40:1 or between 35:1 to 37.5:1.14. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is transparent.